History of the College
The 1963 North Carolina General Assembly passed the Community College Act creating a system of comprehensive community colleges, technical institutes, and industrial education centers in the state under the State Board of Education. The 1979 General Assembly rewrote the Community College Act and authorized a new board for community colleges, effective Jan. 1, 1981.
The establishment of Caldwell Technical Institute was tentatively approved by the State Board of Education in January 1964. The people of Caldwell County approved the college on March 28, 1964, through a bond vote of $600,000. The monies funded the purchase of a site and construction of facilities, and up to a five-cent tax was authorized for college operations. Final approval by the State Board of Education followed on April 2, 1964. The first president, Dr. H. Edwin Beam, was selected that fall and began work in November 1964.
Classes in health occupations began at a temporary site in 1965 with the first full year of classes held in 1966-67. A permanent site was selected for the institute in January 1965, and an architect was selected the following month. New facilities were occupied in September 1967.
On July 1, 1970, Caldwell Technical Institute was authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly through the State Board of Education to offer college transfer courses. Subsequently, Caldwell Technical Institute changed its name to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.
A local bond referendum for $800,000 was proposed and voted upon on Dec. 7, 1971, for Caldwell County to match a federal grant of $799,306 under the Appalachian Region Act. The voters of Caldwell County passed the bond referendum by more than a 2 to 1 majority.
In 1973, the institution received $500,000 in state construction funds from an appropriation by the North Carolina General Assembly. These funds enabled the college's Trustees to increase the size of the college by approximately 77,000 square feet. and the new buildings were occupied during the 1974-75 school year.
In 1979, the Caldwell County Commissioners authorized an expenditure of $600,000 to match a proposed Appalachian Regional Act Grant of $400,000 to build additional facilities. These new facilities were occupied in August 1982. The additional 19,000 square feet made a total of 154,000 square feet of building space at the institution. In September 1973, the Watauga division of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute was established to provide limited credit and more extensive noncredit offerings in various locations throughout the county to the citizens of Watauga County. Through an agreement with Appalachian State University, the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute students in Watauga were permitted to use the university’s library facilities.
Dr. H. Edwin Beam retired June 30, 1984, after 20 years of service. Dr. Eric B. McKeithan was appointed July 1, 1984, to begin his term as Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute's second president. The General Assembly appropriated $250,000 to the college during the short session of 1984. These funds were combined with $129,000 in local appropriations, and a 6,200-square-foot addition was added to E Building to provide state-of-the-art facilities for the nursing, occupational therapy assistant, and physical therapist assistant training programs.
On June 6, 1986, the voters of Caldwell County approved a bond referendum of $3.4 million for Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute to build a job training center ($1.9 million) and a civic center ($1.5 million in bonds to be matched by $1.5 million in funds from other sources). In July 1986, the General Assembly appropriated $100,000 in capital funds to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. Another $1.49 million was appropriated by the General Assembly in August 1987.
In the spring of 1987, the Watauga County Commissioners renovated a 6,800-square-foot former child care center and turned the facility over to the Watauga Campus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. With seven classrooms, a kitchen, and space for a Small Business Center, a Career Center, a computer lab, and offices, this facility, which was called the Watauga Business Center, provided the college with much-needed space for daytime programming, as well as additional space for evening classes.
In July 1988, the North Carolina General Assembly designated $100,000 for the design of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute's first permanent building on a campus in Watauga County. In November 1988, the Watauga County Commissioners purchased a 39-acre site located west of Boone on the 105/421 bypass for the Watauga Campus.
The Job Training Center on the Caldwell campus was completed in April 1989 and was named the E. M. Dudley Job Training Center by the Board of Trustees. In June 1989, the college purchased a former showroom of Fairfield Chair Company, containing 23,250 square feet, and 13.3 acres of land on which the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center was constructed. In August 1989, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $100,000 in capital construction funds to the college to use on the civic center project. In July 1991, the college purchased a lot adjoining the civic center. The civic center opened in October of 1993.
In July 1989, the college purchased 20.3 acres of property adjoining the main Caldwell Campus for future development. A 1,600-square-foot addition to the gymnasium was completed in October 1991, and construction of a 12,000-square-foot maintenance building for the Caldwell Campus was completed in August 1992. In November 1993, a $250 million statewide community college bond referendum was approved by North Carolina voters. Of $8,361,539 earmarked for Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, $2,261,539 was reserved by trustees to construct classrooms and laboratories for the Watauga Campus, and $6.1 million was set aside to construct classrooms, laboratories, and instructional support facilities on the Caldwell Campus.
After serving as the second president of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute for 10 years, Dr. Eric McKeithan resigned on July 9, 1994 to become president of another community college in North Carolina. Dr. H. Edwin Beam served as interim president until the selection of Dr. Kenneth A. Boham, who became the third president of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute on July 1, 1995.
Design of the college’s first permanent site in Watauga County was underway in fall 1995. Construction began in 1996, and the new 23,000-square-foot facility was completed two years later. Overlooking mile-high Grandfather Mountain, the CCC&TI Watauga Campus opened its doors to the community in January 1998 with expanded course offerings and consolidated services. Continuing Education, Student Support, and Basic Skills centers remained located at other sites throughout Watauga County.
Caldwell County voters approved two important bond referenda in February 1997. A $1.59 million bond resulted in the establishment of a college-wide fiber optic network, additional classrooms, renovations to existing classrooms and buildings, updated instructional equipment, additional parking and a campus alarm system. The Caldwell Campus facility known as F Building opened in August 1998. The 45,000-square-foot building housed Student Services, Computer Services, and health science classrooms and laboratories.
In May 1999, CCC&TI acquired the gift of the 58-year-old Broyhill Family home. The 12-acre estate, originally deeded to the late Satie Broyhill, consists of 34 rooms encompassing approximately 8,000 square feet in addition to its extensive grounds and an Olympic-size swimming pool.
In fall 1999, a new Career Center was established on the Caldwell Campus. A joint venture among the public school system, CCC&TI, and local employers, the Career Center benefits the county with focused and cooperative resources for skilled trade and technical occupations. Participants include students from three area high schools during the day while CCC&TI students utilize the facility for evening classes. As the first in the state to offer this unique training concept, the Career Center was funded by a separate $2.6 million referendum for the Caldwell County public schools in 1997. The 25,000-square-foot facility was dedicated in March 2000.
CCC&TI was the recipient of the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Grant in summer of 2000. Totaling $1,734,110, the funding allowed the college to link to the NC Information Highway, allowing for the installation of three interactive classrooms, an instructional production facility, support personnel, and comprehensive technological training for faculty.
Caldwell and Watauga County voters approved the largest state bond referendum in the history of the community college system in November 2000. CCC&TI’s portion, totaling $7,031,341, included provisions for construction and renovation on both campuses. Major projects include: Caldwell Campus – distance learning classrooms, site preparation for future instructional facility, auto body shop spray booth, institutional climate control system, civic center renovations, additional parking, and relocation of the truck driver training range and miscellaneous repairs; Watauga Campus – occupational training building, Continuing Education Center renovations, physical education area, additional classroom space, site preparation for future facility, and additions to the existing instructional facility. The projects were completed over the next six years as bond monies were allocated.
Renovations to conference facilities at the college’s J.E. Broyhill Civic Center were completed in June 2004. The expansion included more flexible meeting space and break-out rooms, a hospitality lab, a concession area, and updates to the lobby. Following a public grand reopening of the Civic Center, the college held another celebration in August 2004 as CCC&TI’s “F” Building was named in honor of John A. Forlines, Jr., the first chairman of the CCC&TI Board of Trustees. The first phase of expansion efforts on CCC&TI’s Watauga Campus was completed in 2005. Four modular units to house Student Services, Adult Education, the bookstore and a maintenance/storage facility along with additional parking.
CCC&TI broke ground for the Faye A. Broyhill Building on its Caldwell Campus in February 2005. Launched with the help of the Broyhill Family Foundation along with federal monies and local support pledged by Caldwell County Commissioners, the Appalachian State University Center is located in the building named in honor Faye A. Broyhill along with CCC&TI’s Corporate and Continuing Education Department. The center has an emphasis on teacher education, making bachelor’s degrees more accessible for local residents. The venture positions CCC&TI as a state and national model, providing a seamless education path with two high schools, a community college and university presence all on the same property. Dedication for the building was held July 20, 2006. ASU’s first group of students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education began classes in January 2007. The program represented ASU’s first off campus full-time, daytime program.
The 2006 Fall Semester was the beginning of an exciting five-year journey for 75 Caldwell County High School students accepted as the first class of the Caldwell Early College High School. Commissioners approved funding to build a facility to house the Early College on CCC&TI’s campus.
In summer 2006, CCC&TI purchased 13.73 acres of property less than one mile south of the college’s campus in Hudson. The property, along with four existing buildings, makes up the college’s Transportation and Public Service Center, which would eventually house all such programs. Truck driver training was the first program to occupy the new campus in August 2006. Additional funding from a grant awarded by the Economic Development Administration helped an existing 15,786-square-foot facility into an Automotive Technology Building. The former area for the trucking program on the Caldwell campus allowed for approximately 350 additional parking spaces. An overflow parking area with 100 new paved spaces was also developed across Gunpowder Creek.
The Caldwell County JobLink Center moved to the Forlines Building on the CCC&TI campus in August 2006 to assist with outreach for the unemployed in the community.
An historic regional partnership was formed in 2006 among three local community colleges: CCC&TI, Catawba Valley Community College, and Western Piedmont Community College. The collaboration enhanced communication of needs, economic development, effectiveness, and efficiency for higher education in the area.
In an effort to assist a growing number of dislocated workers, CCC&TI held its sixth “Directions” event in 2007. The events featured comprehensive information on community-wide resources in the areas of education, finances, counseling, and more.
CCC&TI partnered with Google in 2007 to launch the first IT Institute. The series of courses, co-developed with Google and the IT industry, equipped students with skills recommended for entry-level positions in information technology.
Large electronic signs were purchased for the Caldwell Campus (2001), Broyhill Civic Center (2006) and Watauga Campus (2008). The signs improve communication of opportunities and success to the public.
Construction of a new 46,680-square-foot Early College/Multi-Purpose Building began in May 2007 on the northeast end of the Caldwell campus. The facility, which opened fall 2008, houses the Caldwell Early College High School, as well as college multi-purpose classrooms.
CCC&TI earned its fourth superior rating by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges in 2007. Performance standards measure overall accountability, student success, and satisfaction.
A new 14,000-square-foot Occupational Training Center at CCC&TI’s Watauga campus opened in spring semester 2009. Nursing, construction trades, physical education, and art/ceramics classes occupy the space.
In 2010, the college occupied its new Autobody Shop, a 13,125-square-foot building at its Transportation and Public Service Center. The shop includes three bays, a paint booth, classroom, and two offices. Local funding and an EDA Grant funded the $1.1 million project.
CCC&TI also completed its TRANE Energy Efficient contract in 2010, providing all facilities with online temperature control and updating equipment for more cost-efficient savings.
In 2011, CCC&TI renovated its electrical and electronics classrooms and labs. Upgrades included a 3-D printer, portable robots and additional equipment. The project also included the remodeling of Room G-111, formerly the auto body shop, to create six new labs: Advanced Automation, Industrial Controls, Home Technology Integration, Electrical Technology, Fabrication, and a student activity area. Launched in 2011 and completed in 2012, the Learning Resource Center on the Caldwell Campus received a dramatic makeover. The project included new carpeting, new furniture, a centrally-located circulation desk, a laptop area, and additional computers for student use.
In 2012, construction of a new 1,500-square-foot weight room facility was completed. Adjacent to the gymnasium in E Building, the project was an upgrade from the previous weight room located in D Building with additional space and new equipment. In late 2012, the Foothills Performing Arts Theatre, located in B Building on the Caldwell campus of CCC&TI received new seating, new carpet, and other renovations to enhance the space.
In 2013, CCC&TI joined the state’s other community colleges to celebrate the North Carolina Community College System’s 50th Anniversary. As part of the celebration, CCC&TI participated in a UNC-TV produced segment about each of the 58 community colleges in North Carolina. The documentary appeared on UNC-TV and on the UNC-TV website.
CCC&TI also celebrated the legacy of Dr. W. Dallas Herring on March 6, 2013. Dr. Herring, a Duplin County native, is considered the philosophical godfather of the state’s Community College System. CCC&TI placed a portrait of Dr. Herring in the main lobby of Beam Hall (A Building) on the Caldwell Campus.
In late 2013 construction began on two new facilities for the college, one located on the Transportation and Public Service Center in Hudson and one on the Watauga Campus in Boone. Construction was completed on both facilities in Spring 2014. The TAPS campus building is the new home for CCC&TI’s Basic Law Enforcement Training Program. The new facility on the Watauga Campus houses Continuing Education programs and, for the first time, consolidates the college’s offerings in Watauga County to one location.
The Career Planning and Placement Center also relocated to the Commerce Center, adjacent to the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir. The new Caldwell County NCWorks Career Planning and Placement Center offers employment services for the public in partnership with local employers and partner agencies.
In addition, the space previously occupied by the Career Planning and Placement Center on the first floor of F Building on the Caldwell Campus was renovated to increase classroom and lab space for development education and to create a new space for the Writing Center.
The 2013-2014 Cobras Men’s Basketball team had the best season in the history of all athletics at CCC&TI. Following a regular season record of 22-6, the Cobras went on a tremendous run of victories that included winning the Region X and District VII tournaments, and finishing No. 2 in the nation at the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament in Loch Sheldrake, N.Y. The team finished with a 29-7 record.
In 2014, CCC&TI marked half a century of service to local students and the community as it celebrated its 50th anniversary. The college commemorated the anniversary with several events throughout the year, including a luncheon for employees and retirees, a special community event at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center and a birthday bash for students. In addition, CCC&TI’s Founding President, Dr. H. Edwin Beam gave an address at the 2014 Curriculum Graduation Ceremonies on May 9 to commemorate the college’s 50th anniversary. At the end of the year, a time capsule containing commemorative items and original essays by students was dedicated and sealed, to be opened in 2064.
In late 2014, the Caldwell Early College High School received recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School, one of only two high schools in the state to receive the designation. CECHS is a partnership between Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and Caldwell County Schools.
Also in 2014, the Caldwell Campus “D Building” was renovated and became the new home of the college’s Art Department and the Seila Gallery. The space includes classrooms and studios for visual art, print making, painting and more. The “S Building” that previously housed the Art Department was renovated to include classroom and lab space for the Electrical Lineman Program.
Founding President, Dr. H. Edwin Beam, passed away on March 6, 2015 at the age of 91. He was selected as Caldwell Technical Institute’s founding president in 1964. He retired in 1984 after 20 years of service as President of CCC&TI. He returned as interim president from 1994 to 1995 and in addition served as interim president at Southeastern Community College, Wilkes Community College, and McDowell Technical Community College.
In 2015, a new Culinary Arts kitchen/classroom was completed on the Watauga Campus, allowing CCC&TI to offer the Culinary Arts program on both campuses. The state-of-the-art professional kitchen is located in the Watauga Occupational Training Facility.
In partnership with Watauga County Schools, CCC&TI launched the Watauga Innovation Academy in Fall 2015. The academy is a cooperative innovative high school program established under the auspices of Career and College Promise that allows students to earn college credit while in high school.
In March 2016, North Carolina voters approved the Connect NC Bond Act, which provided $2 billion in funding for improvement projects at the state’s universities, community colleges and parks. CCC&TI received $5.6 million from the Bond Act. Preliminary plans for the funding include construction of a new Student Services building on the Watauga Campus, as well as general improvements on the Caldwell Campus.
After leading for 21 years, as the third president of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Dr. Kenneth A. Boham retired on June 30, 2016. To recognize his years of service and visionary leadership, the Board of Trustees named K Building in Dr. Boham's honor. The Town of Hudson also declared May 25, 2016, the day of the building dedication, as Dr. Kenneth Boham Day.
Taking office July 1, 2016, Dr. Mark J. Poarch became the college's fourth president. Dr. Poarch had previously served as CCC&TI's Executive Vice President, Vice President of Student Services and Associate Vice President of Student Services since his arrival in 2006.
The Caldwell Campus Breezeway and patio were refurbished in 2016. New tiled walkways, capstones and a CCC&TI branded centerpiece were installed during the spring.The Caldwell Campus also upgraded its electronic sign to a new ThinkSign Smart LED sign with three panels, facing both directions of US 321 and one facing campus. The new sign and software allow for more creative designs and more programming options.
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute began a five-year quality enhancement plan (QEP) program designed to improve the quality of a CCC&TI education. The topic for the plan is comprehensive advising that puts greater emphasis on engagement and communication between the student and his/her academic advisors. The plan, dubbed MAP for “My Academic Plan,” will also provide opportunities for orientation, advising activities and engagement throughout the college experience.
CCC&TI's Associate in Fine Arts Music Program renewed “The Performing Artist” series in Spring 2017 offering free concerts and music events for students, employees and the community.
In May 2017, CCC&TI implemented a tobacco free/smoke free policy for all facilities. Other major campus changes included moving the Writing Center and Academic Support Center into newly-remodeled space in the Caldwell Campus Learning Resource Center, allowing students to take advantage of a range of support services in a central location. The move also allowed the Testing Center to relocate into a larger, more state-of-the-art space in F Building, and an expansion of the Financial Aid office.
CCC&TI broke ground in September 2017 on a 15,000-square-foot Student Service Center on the college’s Watauga Campus. The building, slated for completion in 2019, will feature a large student gathering area and will house the following services: Academic Support, Admissions, Advising, Bookstore, Business Office, Counseling, Financial Aid, Library, Testing Center and the Writing Center.